Monchengladbach vs Mainz preview - Favre wary of Mainz threat

Posted Saturday, October 04, 2014 by PA

Borussia Monchengladbach and Mainz could be the only unbeaten sides left in the Bundesliga by the time they meet on Sunday, and both are keen to ensure their record continues at least for another fortnight.

Gladbach have now gone 11 games in all competitions this season without losing while Mainz have won two and drawn four of their opening six Bundesliga games under their new coach Kasper Hjulmand.

"It's going to be a complicated game," predicted Gladbach coach Lucien Favre. "Mainz are an extremely dangerous side and it's no coincidence for me that they are so high up the table."

Mainz cannot boast as good a record as Gladbach overall having been knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round, and the DFB-Pokal in the first round.

Those games took place before the start of the Bundesliga, since when they have transformed.

"They've strengthened well since going out of the cups and they are well organised," added Favre.

"I wouldn't say we're the favourites. We saw recently against Hamburg and Paderborn how all games are very tight."

Respect for the opposition was mutual with Hjulmand waxing lyrical about the Foals at his pre-match press conference.

"They've taken a huge leap forwards under Favre in the past four years," he said.

"They play a very well organised football and are a very exciting team with young players who follow an interesting philosophy.

"Gladbach are further down the line in their development than we are. They're a very, very good team - quick on the break, but without ever losing their composure."

Hjulmand will be hopeful that his side's and the Bundesliga's top goalscorer Shinji Okazaki will be fit having missed the 0-0 draw against Hoffenheim last weekend.

The Japanese forward has scored five goals in as many games this season and his firepower was sorely missed a week ago.

Favre is likely to rotate his side following their Europa League clash on Thursday with Max Kruse doubtful.